You know spring is around the corner when Ladew Gardens announces it spring lecture series schedule. Every year, the series features distinguished speakers who inspire garden lovers and gardeners of all ages and abilities, and this year (its 40th!) is no exception. Just a sampling of what’s in store: The landscape architects of Martha Stewart’s Maine home “Skylands” offer a glimpse into the project; Katherine Astor discusses English Gardens and the Astor family estate Kirby House; the head gardener of Eyre Hall discusses the estate’s historic gardens on Virginia’s Eastern Shore; and more! (See the full schedule below.) The series runs on Wednesdays from March 19 to April 23, so mark you calendars now!
Jens Jensen and “Skylands”: His Maine Masterpiece with Patrick Chasse
Wednesday, March 19 at 10:30 am
Join award-winning landscape architect and historian Patrick Chasse as he discusses Jens Jensen’s Maine landscape, “Skylands.” Chasse will highlight Jensen’s original design process and the challenges faced in bringing “Skylands” back to its natural glory.
40 Trees and Shrubs You Should Know by Heart with Heidi Hesselein
Wednesday, March 26 at 10:30 am
Heidi Hesselein, co-owner of Pleasant Run Nursery, will highlight her favorite woody plants for versatility and beauty. Her focus will be on plants that have multi-seasonal interest, proven longevity in the landscape, and the toughness of a workhorse.
The Gardens at Eyre Hall: A Garden of the Past, Present & Future with Laurie Klingel
Wednesday, April 2 at 10:30 am
Laurie Klingel, head gardener at the historic gardens of Eyre Hall on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, will guide us on a tour using superb garden photography, horticultural insight, and historical anecdotes. Her talk will cover topics ranging from the recent preservation of the 19th-century Orangery to the finest tulips of 2014.
English Gardens with Katherine Astor
Wednesday, April 9 at 10:30 am
Join Katherine Astor as she shares some history of the Astor family and the 26- year restoration of her residence, Kirby House and Estate, in Berkshire, England. She will also discuss the history of English Gardens and how they have evolved over the years, as well as share some of her favorite gardens.
Four Seasons of Containers with Rita Randolph
Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30 am
Join Rita Randolph and see how all kinds of plants are combined into what many people call “eye candy,” from small tabletop centerpieces to large commercial installations. Rita is a true artist and containers are her canvas, often spilling with unusual and colorful plant material.
All Aflutter: The Life and Times of a Butterfly with Arabella Dane
Wednesday, April 23 at 10:30 am
Everyone loves butterflies in their gardens, but how do you attract the greatest variety of species? Join Arabella Dane as she shares her passion for butterflies and butterfly gardening. She will discuss how to attract, entertain, and get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures in each stage – egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly.
Lectures are held Wednesdays; March 19 & 26 – April 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 10:30 am in the Ladew Studio. Advance reservations are recommended as lectures often sell out.
Admission for each lecture: $25 for members; $30 for non-members. $12 for optional lunch. (Attendees who sign up for all 6 lectures will receive one lecture free.) For additional information and to make reservations, please call the Ladew Gardens (410-557-9570.)
